PERTH.- Culture and the Arts Minister John Day officially opened a significant Aboriginal art exhibition from Arnhem Land at the Western Australian Museum in Perth.

Mr Day said Yalangbara was an exhibition by the Yolngu people of north-east Arnhem Land, expressing the mythological, environmental and historical significance of their land.

The exhibition tells the remarkable story of the Marika family; three generations of artists, cultural diplomats and custodians of Yalangbara (Port Bradshaw), he said.

Yalangbara is one of Australias most important spiritual sites where the Yolngu peoples ancestors, the Djangkawu, landed and gave shape and life to the land and everything in it.

The exhibition explores the journey of the Djangkawu and features works from public and private collections including rare bark paintings, works on paper, fibre items and wood sculptures.

The Minister said a key element of the exhibition was the emphasis on family and their role in maintaining and passing on customary knowledge.

The stories presented in this exhibition reveal a deep connection to country by the Marika family and emphasise their importance as the custodians of that land, and as one of north-east Arnhem Lands most recognised artistic dynasties, Mr Day said.

Yalangbara: Art of the Djangkawu is presented by the National Museum of Australia and Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory in partnership with members of the Marika family.